Dr. Gila Frank, Psy.D.
Dr. Gila Frank, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Cognitive Connection Therapy, PLLC, based in Houston, Texas. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University after completing her master’s at California State University, Northridge, and her bachelor’s at UCLA. Dr. Frank trained extensively at Kaiser Permanente, where she developed evidence-based treatment programs for anxiety, panic, OCD, ADHD, and chronic pain, shaping her commitment to practical, individualized, and client-centered care. She is licensed in California, Colorado, and Texas, and through PSYPACT provides both in-person and telehealth services across 43 states.
Through her practice, Dr. Frank works with individuals, couples, and new parents, focusing on anxiety, panic, OCD, grief, and postpartum challenges. Her therapeutic approach emphasizes transparency, genuineness, and humor, creating a supportive environment where clients can build resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful coping strategies. She also engages in community education, consultations for law offices and crisis centers, and pro bono services during mass disasters, demonstrating her commitment to mental health accessibility and public service.
Dr. Frank’s passion for psychology emerged while studying abroad in Israel during 9/11, where volunteering in a soup kitchen revealed her calling to help others navigate difficult circumstances and develop inner strength. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and creative projects with her son, balancing her professional dedication with family and personal fulfillment. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering emotional resilience, growth, and well-being in the communities she serves.
• Pepperdine University – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
• California State University, Northridge – Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
• University of California, Los Angeles – Bachelor’s Degree, CLA
• Psy.D. (Licensed Clinical Psychologist)
• PSYPACT Registered
• America’s Best in Medicine 2026
• Houston Psychological Association
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• National Health Registrar
• PSYPACT
• Psychological first aid during mass disasters
• Pro bono therapy for families affected by Houston flooding
• Soup kitchen volunteering in Israel
I have articles from when I was in my master's and doctorate programs, but nothing recently.
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Anxiety
- Panic
- OCD
- Couples
- New parents
- Postpartum depression
- Postpartum parenting
- Grief
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I think what I love most is letting people see the light when there's so much dark, and helping them see their strengths when they feel so weak. That feels so empowering and meaningful. To be able to say every day I make a difference in the world, even if it's just one person, to let them know they're not alone - that's pretty powerful. I discovered this calling while studying abroad in Israel during 9/11, when I started volunteering in a soup kitchen and just talking with people. I felt like this was my calling: helping people find resilience during dark times. Even my 4-year-old son understands it now. He says 'you help heal hearts' and 'you help fix people's hearts,' and he's very supportive, which is really sweet.